EU Parliament Urges Suspension of Hungary from Schengen Over Russian Visa Concerns
Hungary's recent move to relax entry requirements for Russian and Belarusian citizens has sparked significant concern within the European Union.
At least 70 European politicians signed a letter urging the European Commission to suspend Hungary’s participation in the visa-free Schengen Area.
“We call on the European Commission to take urgent measures to investigate Hungary’s decision, as it may constitute a loophole and potentially jeopardise the overall functioning of the Schengen Area and its role as a safe space for citizens,” stated the letter, initiated by Czech MEP Danuse Nerudova and Lithuanian MEP Petras Austrevicius.
The European Commission has given Hungary until August 19 to address concerns about changes to its National Card.
Since July, Hungary has been issuing “national cards,” a type of resident permit, to Russian and Belarusian citizens. These do not count as Schengen visas, which permit holders to travel through most of Europe unhindered.
This type of work and resident permit is only valid in Hungary.
The scheme expanded eligibility from Serbia and Ukraine to six more countries:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina,
- Montenegro,
- North Macedonia,
- Moldova,
- Russia,
- Belarus.
Eligible nationals from these countries can request one if they work in Hungary or plan to set up a business.
Any EU member state is allowed to issue such national permits.
The Hungarian National Card offers significant benefits over standard guest worker status. Although both require pre-existing work permits, National Card holders can bring their families, stay for up to two years with the possibility of a three-year extension, and receive approval in 21 days—reducing the time for security clearance.
Hungary’s government has dismissed the concerns as “political hysteria.”
On July 30, Hungary’s foreign minister, Peter Szijjarto, criticised Baltic countries for spreading “propaganda,” denying that Hungary poses a security risk to the Schengen zone with its National Card scheme.
However, experts fear the process could be politically biased and warn that Hungarian authorities may lack the capacity to thoroughly screen the influx of applicants from Russia and Belarus.
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